Writer · British Raj
B. K. S. Iyengar
B. K. S. Iyengar (1918–2014) was a renowned Indian yoga teacher and the founder of Iyengar Yoga. He developed a systematic approach to yoga that emphasizes precision, alignment, balance, and the use of props. His influential book Light on Yoga helped introduce yoga to people around the world.
Wikimedia CommonsB. K. S. Iyengar
Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (B. K. S. Iyengar) (14 December 1918 – 20 August 2014) was an influential Indian yoga teacher and the founder of Iyengar Yoga. He played a major role in bringing the practice of yoga to international audiences.
Selected bibliography
| Year | Work |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Výklad jógy: český překlad originálního titulu Light on yoga |
| 2016 | Výklad pránájámy: umění jógického dechu |
| 2020 | Jóga - světlo života: význam jógy v každodenním životě |
| 2020 | Jóga pro sportovce: cesta ke zdraví a uzdravení |
| — | Light on Yoga |
Biography
Early Life
B. K. S. Iyengar was born on 14 December 1918 in Bellur, Karnataka, India. He experienced poor health during his childhood and was introduced to yoga at a young age by his brother-in-law and teacher, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya.
Through dedicated practice, Iyengar gradually developed strength, flexibility, and a deep understanding of yoga postures.
Development of Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar developed a systematic method of practicing yoga that places strong emphasis on precision, alignment, timing, and sequencing.
His approach often uses props such as:
- Blocks
- Belts
- Blankets
- Bolsters
- Chairs
These props can help practitioners achieve and maintain yoga postures with greater precision.
Teaching Career
Iyengar began teaching yoga in India and later gained international recognition. His demonstrations and teaching attracted students from many countries.
He established the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune in 1975. The institute became an important center for the study and practice of Iyengar Yoga.
Books
B. K. S. Iyengar was also a prolific author. His most influential books include:
- Light on Yoga
- Light on Pranayama
- Light on Life
- The Tree of Yoga
- Iyengar: His Life and Work
Published in 1966, Light on Yoga became one of the best-known modern reference books on yoga and helped popularize his approach internationally.
Philosophy and Practice
Iyengar emphasized that yoga was not simply physical exercise. His teachings connected physical postures with breathing, concentration, discipline, and deeper aspects of yoga philosophy.
His method encouraged practitioners to pay close attention to body alignment and to develop awareness through sustained practice.
Awards and Recognition
B. K. S. Iyengar received several major honors during his lifetime, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, among India's civilian awards.
He was also recognized internationally for his contribution to yoga.
Death and Legacy
B. K. S. Iyengar died on 20 August 2014 in Pune, India, at the age of 95.
His teachings continue through Iyengar Yoga schools and teachers around the world. His books remain important references for students and practitioners of yoga.
Did you know?
B. K. S. Iyengar's **Light on Yoga**, first published in 1966, contains detailed descriptions and photographs of numerous yoga postures and became an influential international reference work on yoga.
